Crown Molding Installation Tips
Installing crown molding is an easy way to add character and visual interest to a room while increasing the overall value of your home. Crown molding is available in many different styles, so plan on spending some time at your local home improvement store checking out all of the options that are available before you begin your installation project. Wood molding is the most expensive, so you may want to choose MDF crown molding if you are on a tight budget. MDF is a pre-primed and ready to paint product that is made of wood and resin. However, it should not be used in kitchens or bathrooms due to the risk of high humidity in these areas causing warping.
The hardest part of installing crown molding is cutting the corners. Crown molding should sit at an angle between the wall and the ceiling, which means you can’t simply treat the molding like any other trim piece. Crown molding should be cut at a 45 degree angle to fit the corners together. One common mistake that beginners make is not paying attention to the direction of the angle. If you are preparing an inside corner, the bottom of the molding should be longer than the top. If you are cutting an outside corner, however, the top of the molding needs to be longer than the bottom of the molding.
Once you’ve cut your crown molding, you can use a rasp or a sanding block to shave the back in order to help the corners fit tightly together. Apply the crown molding to the wall using joint compound, but be careful not to use too much product since this will make the molding start to slide down the wall. Long runs can be supported with 8d nails if needed.
After the crown molding is attached to the wall, paintable caulk can be used to cover up gaps in the joint. Staining your crown molding is not recommended for beginners, because it’s much easier to cover minor mistakes in the installation process with caulk and paint.
